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MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management.

MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management

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The MSc Fashion & Luxury is a multi-disciplinary management program, delivered in English and designed to provide a diverse group of internationally-minded students the tools and skills necessary to accelerate their careers within the fast-moving fashion, luxury and beauty sectors.

Audience

Open to students holding a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in any field of study, who have a strong level of English and want to study in Paris in an international environment.

Practical information

Type:
Master of Science
Format:
Full time
Duration:
1 or 2 years depending upon the candidate's profile

The MSc is a 2-year program but direct entry into the 2nd year (skipping the 1st year) is possible for students holding a 4-year bachelor or master degree.

IFM – ESCP Business School Double Degree: 2 years

Accreditation:
Master's degree ("grade de master")

The MSc in International Fashion and Luxury Management leads to a diploma "manager international mode et luxe" conferring the "grade de master" by the Ministry of Higher Education: Official Bulletin (BOESR) n°7 of 16 February 2023, by order of 25 January 2023.

Next intake:
September 2024
Tuition fees:
for academic year 2024/2025*

1st year: €14,500 (EU) / €17,800 (Non-EU)

2nd year: €20,800 (EU) / €27,500 (Non-EU)

IFM – ESCP Business School Double Degree (2-year program): €35,900 (EU) / €46,100 (Non-EU)

Lifetime contribution to the IFM Alumni Association: €470.

Thanks to the generosity of the IFM Foundation, need-based scholarships are available for EU students under 29 years of age on September 1 of the academic year.

* Due to the economic context, the tuition fees are likely to evolve within the limit of an annual increase which cannot exceed the inflation rate in France.

Certification:
RNCP level 7

The program leads to a degree registered at level 7 “Master level” in both European nomenclature and the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP).

Language:
English
Location:
Campus Austerlitz

34 quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris

Audience

Open to students holding a Bachelor's or a Master's degree in any field of study, who have a strong level of English and want to study in Paris in an international environment.

© Victoria Prieto

You would like to:

  • Acquire a strong foundation in management and analytical skills as applied specifically to the creative industries
  • Develop in-depth product knowledge and understanding of the creative process
  • Gain expertise in branding, communication and digital strategies
  • Benefit from unparalleled industry exposure, while developing leadership skills and multicultural awareness

The MSc is a 2-year program, but direct entry into the 2nd year (skipping the 1st year) is possible for students holding a 4-year bachelor or master degree.

The academic approach of the MSc Fashion & Luxury program mixes intensive in-class learning, innovative workshops, real-world business cases and experiential learning.

Our strategic location in the centre of Paris allows students to fully benefit from all that the Parisian fashion and luxury ecosystem has to offer, including easy access to international headquarters, key professional trade shows and diversity of unparalleled cultural offerings.

The MSc program’s courses and workshops are taught by Institut Français de la Mode faculty, CEO’s and professionals, as students, meet over 70 industry experts during the academic year.

Accreditation

The MSc in International Fashion and Luxury Management delivers an accredited degree "manager international mode et luxe" conferring the "grade de master" by the Ministry of Higher Education: Official Bulletin (BOESR) n°7 of 16 February 2023, by order of 25 January 2023. It is registered at level 7 “Master level” with the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP). This entitles the non-EU students who have graduated from the program to obtain the Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (Temporary Stay Authorization) allowing them to work in France for a year and in some cases longer.

Courses are structured around 3 main themes throughout the program:

1. Culture & History of the Fashion & Luxury Industry

Fashion Theory, Panorama of the Key Players of the Luxury Market, Fashion History, Initiation to Textiles, History of Perfume, Economy of Luxury Markets

During the MSc 2nd Year, students will undertake the writing of a research thesis to be presented at the end of the school year.

2. Management in the Fashion & Luxury Industry

Fundamentals of Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Product Innovation, Strategic Branding, Data-driven Management for Innovation, Press and PR, Fashion Styling and Image Creation, Business Ethics, Sustainable Innovation, Identity & Positioning, New Business Models & Innovation, Luxury & Distribution, Omnichannel Client Experience, Finance, Sourcing Policy

3. Product Management and experiential learning

Ready-to-Wear, Leather Goods, Jewelry & Watches, Beauty & Cosmetics, Hospitality

One of the distinctive features of the MSc is its experiential approach to learning. The quality and craft inherent to exceptional products are explored "hands-on" as the students "learn by doing", during immersive seminars and workshops all throughout the academic year.

During the MSc 2nd Year, students will be able to choose a specialization (Sustainable Strategies, International Development, Digital Communication, and Advanced Merchandising).

Over the two years, the MSc Fashion & Luxury program partners with industry-leading companies to organize real-world business cases for our students, who are briefed by the company on a current strategic or operational issue that they are facing (Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Hermès, L'Oréal, Dom Perignon etc...)

Cross-Disciplinary Electives

Multiple elective courses are offered to all Master's students in design and management, enabling them to broaden their interdisciplinary knowledge and to develop group projects together on topics they wish to explore in greater depth (sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship, communications). These cross-disciplinary electives aim to develop specific expertise in these areas and collaborate with profiles from a variety of backgrounds.

Certificates

Three optional certificates are offered during the year to all IFM Master's full-time students: in entrepreneurship, sustainability and Couture craftsmanship.

Language classes

The academic year kicks off with intensive French courses offered in partnership with the Alliance française, France's leader in French language education for foreigners.

Those students who already speak French fluently will learn Italian, a key language for the fashion, luxury, and design industries. Students who are already fluent in French and Italian will be offered Mandarin classes.

Internships and work experiences

Between the 1st and the 2nd Year, students undertake an internship of 2 to 5 months.

The program finishes with a six-month internship (or short-term/long-term contract) in Paris, in France or internationally.

IFM offers a few places for double degree options with ESCP Business School for those candidates who hold a 3-year Bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic level. The first year of the double degree program will take place at ESCP Business School on their Paris (one semester maximum), Berlin, London, Madrid or Turin campuses, followed by the IFM MSc program (in Paris). Students who successfully complete the program including thesis and internships will graduate with both the Master in Management Grande Ecole ESCP Business School (ranked #6 worldwide by the Financial Times) and the IFM MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management degrees.

The number of places is very limited, and the program is reserved for MSc1 candidates (holding a three-year bachelor’s degree). Candidates must first apply to and be accepted for the IFM MSc 1st Year + MSc 2nd Year program (choosing the Double Degree program when applying) following the usual admissions process during sessions 1 or 2.

Once students have been admitted to the MSc program, a limited selection of double-degree candidates will then interview with ESCP Business School before the final double-degree admissions decisions are made. Should an interested double degree candidate not be selected by ESCP for the double degree program, their admission at IFM will not be reconsidered and they will still integrate the MSc 1st Year.

The tuition fees for Institut Français de la Mode students admitted to the double degree program are the same tuition fees as those for the MSc 1st Year and MSc 2nd Year.

Please note that candidates who have already applied at ESCP (whether through the French or International competitive exam) for the 2023/2024 academic year, or who have already studied at ESCP previously, are not eligible for the Double Degree program.

Students selected for the Double Degree program with no prior management background will have to follow a number of classes determined by ESCP. These will happen online during the Summer.

During the year we will be organizing various events so that you can meet us, visit our premises and ask any questions you may have.

  • Each year, our Open Day is held on the last Saturday of January.


For the past 30 years Institut Français de la Mode has developed a very strong network of recruiting companies and has been closely following the career paths of its alumni. The Career Services Department leverages this experience to advise students on job paths and opportunities, offer career guidance and connect them with potential recruiters via the organization of career fairs and company presentations. On average, 86 % of the graduating class secures full time employment within 6 months of completing the program.

Tuition fees for academic year 2024/2025*:

1st year: €14,500 (EU) / €17,800 (Non-EU)

2nd year: €20,800 (EU) / €27,500 (Non-EU)

IFM – ESCP Business School Double Degree (2-year program): €35,900 (EU) / €46,100 (Non-EU)

Lifetime contribution to the IFM Alumni Association: €470.

Thanks to the generosity of the IFM Foundation, need-based scholarships are available for EU students under 29 years of age on September 1 of the academic year.

* Due to the economic context, the tuition fees are likely to evolve within the limit of an annual increase which cannot exceed the inflation rate in France.

Scholarships

Thanks to the sponsorship of company members of Institut Français de la Mode's Foundation, need-based scholarships are available for EU citizens under 28 years of age on September 1 of the academic year and who do not benefit from an individual training leave.

For those students undertaking the MSc Full Program, please keep in mind that only those students who have been awarded a scholarship for the MSc 1st Year will be eligible to request a scholarship the following year for the MSc 2nd Year part of the program. The initial scholarship request must be received at the same time as the application for admission.

We also recommend that you consult the Campus France website to learn of other potential scholarship opportunities.

Application requirements

MSc 1st Year and IFM – ESCP Europe double degree

  • You have completed or are currently in the final year of a 3-year Bachelor’s degree worth 180 ECTS credits (or equivalent) in any field of study

MSc 2nd Year

  • You have completed or are currently in the final year of a 4-year Bachelor’s degree worth 240 ECTS credits (or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in any field of study
  • Or, you have worked full-time for at least 3 years (not including internships) after having completed your 3-year Bachelor’s degree in any field of study

All applicants who have not spent at least three years working or studying in a country where English is the first official language are required to submit one of the following English language proficiency test score reports:

  • TOEFL: minimum score of 100
  • IELTS: minimum score of 7
  • TOEIC: minimum score of 900 for Listening & Reading and a minimum score of 180 for Speaking & Writing - both parts are required
  • CAMBRIDGE: minimum score of 185, with at least 176 on each part of the test

English test scores must be no older than 2 years at the application deadline of the round you choose to apply to.

Although the program is taught in English and applicants are not required to speak French, it is essential to understand and speak French to find an internship or a first job in Paris. The MSc program offers intensive French courses, from which students will benefit more if they are already familiar with the French language. Therefore, candidates who have a minimum of an A2 level in French will be given preference.

Admissions Process

The MSc Fashion & Luxury has a two-step admissions process:

  1. Fill in the admission form from our website and submit it by the Application Deadline. A non-refundable €100 application fee is required.
  2. A selection of applicants will then be invited to interview online with a jury of faculty and professionals.

Click on each session below to view deadlines.

Upon admission into the program, the selected candidates will need to pay a 3000€-deposit to confirm their spot in the program.

Please be aware that it is not possible to defer an admission offer to the following year.

Apply

Admissions sessions

You may choose the session you wish to apply for, but can only apply to one. If you are invited for an interview, a specific time and date will be given to you within the dates specified below.

If you are applying for the IFM-ESCP Europe Double Degree, your application may be submitted during Admissions Sessions 1, 2.

Session 1 - 20 November 2023

  • Deadline for submission of application file: 20 November 2023
  • Notification of eligibility: 6 December 2023
  • Interviews: 11-15 December 2023
  • Notification of admission: 20 December 2023

Session 2 - 5 February 2024

  • Deadline for submission of application file: 5 February 2024
  • Notification of eligibility: 28 February 2024
  • Interviews: 4-8 March 2024
  • Notification of admission: 13 March 2024

Session 3 - 22 April 2024

  • Deadline for submission of application file: 22 April 2024
  • Notification of eligibility: 16 May 2024
  • Interviews: 21-24 May 2024
  • Notification of admission: 31 May 2024

Chiara Strazzabosco

Chiara, a student in the 1st Year from Italy, has a background in economics. She tells us why she decided to get into fashion, join a sector she was passionate about, and why she chose IFM.

Julianne Wavre

Julianne, 1st Year, has an International Relations background. Julianne is Swiss, and she wanted to bridge the gap between her previous studies and Fashion. She tells us more about her background and her choice to join IFM.

Sebastian Pressiani

Sebastian, 2nd Year, is from Argentina. After a few years of professional experience, he tells us about his wish to join IFM and his enthusiasm for the "professional approach learning" of the program, as close as possible to the reality of the market. He tells us more about how he prepared to join IFM.

Melody Ke

Melody, 2nd Year, studied marketing and IT, and has professional experience in the cosmetics industry. She is from Hong Kong and was looking for a different approach to traditional business courses. She tells us about her choice to join IFM and the great cultural diversity she discovered there.

Antoine Rabiet, IFM-ESCP Double Degree

I just started the first year at ESCP Business School and I have found it to be very enriching and challenging. Coming from Sciences Po Paris, I was not familiar with any of the subjects that are taught in a business school. Because of that, I had to pass pre-requisite courses online from mid July to early September. Once the final exams for these were completed, the semester could finally start.

I must admit I was mostly afraid of the finance course. I had not done any maths in a long time, and was afraid that I would not be able to understand all the theories. I definitely needed a few weeks to adapt, but the professors are aware that students come from very different backgrounds. They are here to help us, and they understand that not everyone wants to be in finance or consulting! I have found the Organisation Management course and the Human Resource Management course to be particularly compelling. The courses review a lot of theory, but make us apply it to case studies. The classes are very animated and participation is strongly encouraged, often leading to great debates and conversations. The body of students at ESCP is very international. Interactions with people from all around the world are crucial if you are envisioning an international career.

Although the courses at ESCP still seem distant from the fashion world, I see how these are necessary and will become complementary to what I have learned before, and most importantly to what I will learn at IFM. The dual degree allows to cover a vast field of classes, subjects and to learn about different professions. The courses at ESCP have helped me so far to become more familiar with how organisations and companies work, from the different departments, their roles to the importance of interpersonal relations. I am also very excited to move to Berlin next semester, and to discover a new city and everything it has to offer.

Application

Why should I apply to IFM rather than a Fashion or Luxury program in a business school?

Founded in 1986 by representatives of the fashion industry with support from the French Ministry of Industry, IFM has always maintained unparalleled ties with the leading fashion, luxury and beauty companies and groups, who regularly come to campus to recruit our students. The signature IFM experience allows for regular collaboration between our management and design programs, preparing our MSc Fashion & Luxury participants to better grasp the creative mindset and take on leadership roles in companies where creativity is a major source of added value. In addition, IFM students develop in-depth product and retail management knowledge.

Within the IFM program offer, what is the difference between the MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management and the Mastère Spécialisé Management de la Mode et du Luxe?

The MSc Fashion & Luxury program is taught primarily in English, with a largely international cohort, whereas the Mastère Spécialisé Management de la Mode & du Luxe is taught primarily in French. In addition, the MSc Fashion & Luxury program focuses mainly upon the strategies and operations of premium and luxury brands while the Mastère Spécialisé Management de la Mode & du Luxe covers a wider range, from fast fashion up through luxury houses. Both programs prepare their students to accelerate their careers within the fashion, luxury and beauty sectors in France or abroad.

Which academic background do we need to be accepted into the MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management Program ?

Applicants must hold a 3-year or a 4-year Bachelor's degree minimum in any discipline. We do not require a specific GPA however we are looking for proof of academic success and rigour in your undergraduate program.

Do we need the GMAT to get admitted into the MSc program?

GMAT (code 1JC-BR-51) or GRE (code 7128) official score reports are encouraged but not mandatory elements of the MSc Fashion & Luxury application.

Can we apply to the MSc program before finishing our undergraduate degree?

You can apply to the MSc program before finishing your undergraduate studies, as long as you submit your most recent official transcript and a proof of enrollment at your university. You would then need to submit your final official transcript and diploma upon graduation.

What level of English is required to be admitted into the MSc Fashion & Luxury program?

All applicants who have not spent at least three years working or studying in a country where English is the first official language are required to submit one of the following English language proficiency test score reports:

  • TOEFL: minimum score of 100
  • IELTS: minimum score of 7
  • TOEIC: minimum score of 900 for Listening & Reading and a minimum score of 180 for Speaking & Writing (both parts are required)
  • CAMBRIDGE: minimum score of 185, with at least 176 on each part of the test

Although the program is taught in English and applicants are not required to speak French, it is essential to understand and speak French in order to find an internship or a first job in Paris. The MSc program offers intensive French courses, from which students will benefit more if they are already familiar with the French language. Therefore, candidates who have a minimum of an A2 level in French will be given preference.

Do we need to speak French?

For those students who would like to do their internship or work in France after graduation, it is important to reach at least a C1 level in French.

Is it a problem that I live abroad and cannot come to IFM for the interview round?

No, it is not a problem because we only offer the possibility to interview via Microsoft Teams.

Practical information

Do I need a visa for France ?

You can check your status here: https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/web/france-visas

If you are a citizen of the European Economic Area, your national ID or passport is enough. For students outside of the European Economic Area, a student visa is necessary (Visa VLS-TS). French law demands that you have “sufficient means” at your disposal to study without having to work. For visa application information and the necessary documents, please refer to the Campus France website. IFM sends the official acceptance letter, necessary to start your visa application, after the non-refundable deposit has been paid.

Budget and cost of living in Paris

The cost of living and studying in Paris is very dependent on your type of accommodation and lifestyle. For reference a basic budget could include at least €800 for accommodation, €220 for meals, €30 for metro transportation, €180 for leisure and €150 for other expenses, for a total of approximately €1,380 per month.

Does IFM have a Campus ?

IFM is located within “Les Docks Cité de la Mode et du Design” in the thirteenth neighbourhood of Paris (34, Quai d'Austerlitz 75013 Paris). The IFM classrooms, common areas and offices are located on 3 different levels of the building.

Does IFM provide student accommodation?

IFM does not provide student accommodation or have on-campus housing however our academic support team is always available to assist and offer suggestions and tips to our admitted students, to help them find housing options that are the best suited to their individual needs.

How do I find accommodation in Paris ?

You can take a room in student halls of residence, rent an apartment, rent a room in an apartment or share an apartment. Find out more about the conditions needed to apply for accommodation aid (Aide Personnalisée au Logement, APL): http://bit.ly/YmFTha Find out more about "Aide à l'Installation dans un Logement pour les Etudiants (A.I.L.E.)" granted by Ville de Paris: http://bit.ly/WJGCE1 You can also consult the Campus France website for housing suggestions or www.ciup.fr for specific information about student dormitory-type housing.

How do I get to Institut Français de la Mode ?

Institut Français de la Mode is located at 34, quai d'Austerlitz (75013 Paris).

Metro: Gare d’Austerlitz (lines 5 and 10, RER C), Quai de la Gare (line 6), or Gare de Lyon (lines 1 and 14, RER A and D).

Bus: lines 24, 61, 63, 89 and 91

How can I get French health coverage?

As part of new government legislation in France, related to career guidance and students success (called ‘Plan étudiants’), many different measures are being taken in order to improve students’ living conditions, including measures regarding Student social security.

If you are a European citizen or from Quebec : nothing has changed, you should still be able to use your European Health Insurance Card or RAMQ form. You will have to provide the CPAM ( Centre d’Assurance Maladie) a S1 Form in order to register to the “General scheme” of the French Social Security, so you will get the French “carte vitale” and a French social security number.

For all other students who arrive in France for their intake: you will need to register with the ‘general’ scheme of Social security (and no longer the ‘student’ scheme), free of charge and without any age condition.

Program

Is the MSc Fashion & Luxury a state-recognized degree?

IFM is a state-recognized institution of higher education and a member of the Conférence des Grandes Ecoles, the organization that unites France’s top business and engineering schools. The MSc in International Fashion & Luxury Management is registered at level 1 “Master level” (level 7 European nomenclature) with the Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles (RNCP).

The MSc in International Fashion and Luxury Management leads to a diploma "manager international mode et luxe" conferring the "grade de master" by the Ministry of Higher Education: Official Bulletin (BOESR) n°7 of 16 February 2023, by order of 25 January 2023.

Do I have to attend all classes in person?

The MSc program promotes interpersonal encounters on the IFM campus, between students, professors, and professionals from fashion houses. Therefore, all classes are delivered face-to-face, and students are required to attend in person. This pedagogical choice allows students to build professional relationships even before they enter the professional world. It also allows for maximum debate and exchange of ideas between students and faculty.

Does Institut Français de la Mode find an internship for MSc Fashion & Luxury students?

Students are responsible for finding their own internships, however, our Careers Management team is definitely there to assist, by organizing company presentations, workshops, career fairs and by providing individualized coaching. IFM benefits from very close relationships with the major houses in the fashion, luxury and beauty industries, who frequently recruit students from the MSc Fashion & Luxury program.

Is the internship paid?

An internship longer than 2 months must be compensated by companies in France. The minimum gratification is over 554€ per month and can range up to about 1300€ per month.

Can I have a small job while taking the MSc?

It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to have a job at the same time as the MSc. For both years of the program, classes are given in person on campus from Mondays to Fridays, generally between 9am and 6pm, from September to April. In addition to classes, students work on numerous individual and group projects.

Why is a retail internship a part of the MSc Fundamentals Year program?

We feel that is crucial for students to understand the importance and realities of service excellence and client experience in today's omni-channel fashion and luxury industries. For example, the internship can be in customer service, operations, visual merchandising, after-sales service or call centre. If students have already gained experience in retail prior to their arrival at IFM, they will be able to do their internship in another brand of the fashion and luxury industry.

Do I need to have experience in fashion and luxury to apply?

We are looking for applicants who have succeeded in a rigorous undergraduate/graduate program in any discipline and who ideally have internship or work experiences in any sector, during which they have acquired relevant skills. To join the MSc1, having experience in the fashion and luxury industry isn’t mandatory, but candidates must show an interest for the field through their experiences. To join the MSc2 program, students must have prior experiences in the fashion and luxury industry.